Archive for May, 2014

Vietnam Vet Rich Wilson reflects on Memorial Day

This is kinda long and lengthy, but take a moment to read it for Memorial Day! This is a very personal time of the year for me, I celebrate Memorial day, I don’t say “have a happy Memorial Day” To me it’s a day to remember and reflect.

Some times it brings back bad memories, but the voices of my comrades, no brothers, comfort me as I hear them saying, “It’s ok that you survived, we need some one to carry on our legacy. Remember that night in the Bar outside of NKP, we all agreed, we’d meet some day, cause we all going to Heaven, Cause we done did our time in HELL!”

While going through some old documents, I ran across this report, I’d thought I’d share:

“October 1972 North Vietnam. Two crew members of an F-4 Phantom are shot down deep in North Vietnam. Fortunately, they eject over rugged terrain and land safely away from populated areas. Unfortunately, the enemy has observed their descent, and even before the two survivors land, recovery teams are sent to intercept them. Joining up, the two men quickly size up their situation and decide to climb to higher ground to put distance between themselves and the pursuing bad guys and aid the Jollys in recovery.

The Jolly Greens, in fact, are approaching at maximum airspeed. Pararescue men Ray Stewart and Richard Wilson are on the Low Bird. It now becomes a race between them and the closing ground forces. The latter are so close to the survivors, the two men can hear the shrill signal whistles and yelping dogs. Both men race up the steep slopes driven with new energy when they hear the approaching thundering of the 40th ARRS HH-53Cs. Low Bird drives in under the protective umbrella of the Sandys. Stewart and Wilson exact tolls on the enemy forces with their mini-guns. The extraction is swift and flawless, denying the enemy the opportunity to add two more POWs to its cells in Hanoi.

I Think about those guys in my unit all 14 of them that did not come back, I honor there memory as best I can. BUT, I also remember coming home and flying through the airports in Hawaii, then California, then taken a C 141 to Dover Air Force base for some well deserved R&R. I spent those 15 days avoiding my own friends as they were anti war, and treated us as Murders of children, and the elderly! I went on to do 12 more missions. When I came home it was to sneers and Jeers.

I hid for years the fact that I had been in Viet Nam to avoid running into one of those…lets just say, stupid people. I have spent many years with the anger in my heart, towards my county men for the way Viet Nam vets have been treated! I pray every night for those wounded or killed in the wars or conflicts that followed, as well as those brave young people coming home. I am proud to see a young soldier thanked for their service, a seat given up for them.

So in writing this post I feel it’s time 34 years later to forgive our county and those who booed us upon our return. It;s time to move on. To all of those who have given the Last Full Measure, I salute you on this Memorial Day, Happy Memorial day, NA “Have a Solemn, and safe, Memorial Day, and take a second or to to just thank, or think of A VET, because if it wasn’t for them you would not even be typing on Face Book! Thank you for taking your time to read this!  ~Richard Wilson~ TCRG Consultants

Memorial Day 2014

© 2014, Richard Wilson. All rights reserved.

Technorati Tags: Memorial Day, POW’s, Richard Wilson, Vetnam Vet

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Elaine M. Papp, Division Chief for the FMCSA Office of Medical Programs Guest on Truth About Trucking “Live” June 19th 6PM ET

Elaine Papp, RN, MSN, COHN-S CM, Division Chief for the FMCSA Office of Medical Programs of the FMCSA will once again be joining us on Truth About Trucking ‘Live June 19th 2014 at 6PM ET.  The last time Ms Papp was with us on May 8th, she explained the  National Registry Of Certified Medical Examiners Program, including an FAQ during the show.

The Truth About Trucking”Live” broadcast, “Understanding the National Registry Of Certified Medical Examiners Program” with Ms. Papp, included her response regarding the on going concerns by drivers, the ATA and OOIDA, as they apprehensively anticipated that there would not be sufficient certified medical examiners to accommodate all drivers medical exams by the May 21st deadline.
You can listen to her reply on the replay  here.

Elaine will be addressing even more of driver and carrier concerns on June 19th, including medical regulations, exemptions, and waivers.  Details of the show will be announced on our Blog Talk Radio show description page as we get closer to the date.  Ms. Papp will be taking callers on the show,  a few drivers have written their questions to us already.

FMCSA

If you have a specific health or medical questions you would like to ask Ms. Papp, please ask in the comment section below  or send an email to info@truthabouttrucking.com.
Subject Line:  FMCSA Medical Show

Deaf Truckers United at 2012 Truck Driver Social Media Convention

Many remember Elaine Papp from the 2012 Truck Driver Social Media Convention in Kansas City, MO as she gave her presentation addressing many driver health concerns. Those who attended, warmly remember her as she  listened intently as the Deaf Truckers United Group made their plea for hearing exemptions.

Later in 2013, the FMCSA granted 40 individuals exemptions from the hearing requirements of the physical qualifications standards at 49 391.41(b)(11).
It represented the first time the agency had granted such exemptions
Read more FMCSA Grants Hearing Exemptions

© 2014, Allen Smith. All rights reserved.

Technorati Tags: ata, blog talk radio, deaf truckers united, Elaine Papp, FMCSA, National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, ooida, truth about trucking

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CVSA Road Check 2014

The largest targeted enforcement program on commercial vehicles will soon be taking place between June 3-5, 2014. During the 72 hour period, nearly 10,000 Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) certified inspectors will operate from 1,500 locations across North America to perform truck and bus inspections.

The annual program focuses on compliance and enforcement, targeting various elements of motor carrier, vehicle, driver and cargo safety and security.

According to the CVSA website, “approximately 14 trucks or buses are inspected, on average, every minute from Canada to Mexico” within the established 72 hours.

Level 1 inspections will focus on nine specific areas: brakes, coupling devices, fuel and exhaust systems, frame, van and open-top trailers, lighting, cargo securement, steering, suspension and tires, wheels, rims and hubs. The average cost of being placed out-of-service is $861, not including costs of other fines and repairs.

The CVSA provides a Roadcheck Check List for Drivers for the possibility of a roadside inspection in order to be better prepared to make it through without any disruption in service.

© 2014, Allen Smith. All rights reserved.

Technorati Tags: Commerical Vehicle Safety Alliance, CVSA, inspections, road check

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Effective on May 1, 2014 LogisticsCom became the first national freight brokerage agency to enact an Ethical Broker Rate Transparency Policy. This rate transparency policy is open to all carrier partners of LogisticsCom along with our clients. 

Effective on May 1, 2014 LogisticsCom became the first national freight brokerage agency to enact an Ethical Broker Rate Transparency Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) — May 4, 2014 — FORT WAYNE, Ind. — It is critical for the transportation industry to operate in an open and transparent manner to protect the interest of the shipping parties, the carrier and the driver. The Ethical Broker Rate Transparency Policy will play a pivotal role in curtailing unnecessary cost escalation brought on by mega-brokers questionable business commission structures, while, in addition building a true business alliance with shippers, small carriers, owner-operators and like-minded freight brokers.

© 2014, Allen Smith. All rights reserved.

Technorati Tags: freight brokers, Greg McClain, Logistics.com, rate transparency

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Specialist Manufacturers Of Silicone Hoses

In June, 2007, the European Parliament brought in a regulation which aimed to reduce emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles. The regulation was brought in to help reduce the negative effects of pollution on the environment and on people’s health.

In the 1990s, it was found that 20% of all carbon dioxide emissions came from goods vehicles and the EU set a target to reduce these levels to 8% by the end of 2012. As this did not happen (emissions actually increased to 28% or goods vehicles) some new legislation has been brought in.

What is the Euro 6 Standard?

If your truck has a diesel engine, you will need to reduce its emissions of nitrogen oxides as soon as the Euro 6 standard comes into play on the 1st September 2014.

Vehicles used to transport goods will be capped at 80mg/km and diesel vehicles will be capped at 170mg/km. You will also need to check several other categories to make sure your truck is compliant as, if it is over a certain weight, your emissions will be measured in terms of their energy output rather than distance travelled and, in order to comply with the Euro 6 standard, you should make sure your emissions meet the required levels. This applies to tailpipe, evaporative and crankcase emissions.

Which Pollutant Emissions Will Be Tested?

The EU is particularly concerned with the reduction of nitrogen particulates, oxides and hydrocarbons as these are damaging to the environment and can cause health problems.

What Do I Need To Check To Make Sure My Truck Complies?

You must make sure that your truck has a device fitted to control pollution and you should check it every five years or after travelling 100,000 km. If you are self-employed, contact your local service centre for more information about getting one fitted.

As well as having an anti-pollutant fitted, you should check the following emissions:

– Tailpipe

– Evaporative

– Crankcase

It is also a good idea to test any other emissions from your vehicle including its idling speed and carbon dioxide emissions. A good garage should be able to help run these tests and they should be aware of the new regulations.

If your vehicle fails any of the emissions checks, you should get relevant parts fitted to cut down on pollutant emissions. There may be tax breaks available if you need to make modifications to your vehicle.

This content was provided by Leyland Hose & Silicone who are specialists in silicone hose products for a wide range of performance, commercial and bespoke personal uses.

© 2014, Allen Smith. All rights reserved.

Technorati Tags: carbon dioxide emissions, emission reduction, emissions, emissions regulations, Leyland. Silicone hoses, nitrogen oxide emission

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